Pipe-wrench



c. E. REED. PIPE WRENCH.

FILED E 1,3 4,5 2, Patented Jan. 4,1921.

2 SHEETS SHEET 1- C. E. REED. P |PE WRENCH.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 20, 1919. 1,364,582, Patented Jan. 4, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEEI 2- Fig 4 I NV ENT 0R.

.4 TTORNEY.

UNITED sTArss CLARENCE E. REED, 0F HOUSTON, TEXAS PIPE-WRENCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed June 20, 1919. Serial No. 305,542.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, CLARENCE E. REED, a citizen'of the United States, and resident of Houston, Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Piperenches, of which the following is a specification.

The wrench hereinafter described is particularly designed for heavy work such, for instance, as in placing or removing pipe drill stems employed in drilling oil wells, though, of course, it will be understood that the invention may be employed for other kind of work.

The invention consists in the features and combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the wrench with the drill pipe shown in section and grasped thereby.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view substantially on the line 22 of Fig. 1, parts being shown in elevation.

Fig. 3 is a plan member.

Fig. & is a transverse sectional view of one of the wrench jaws.

Fig. 5 shows a side view and a front view of one of the gripping members.

Fig. 6 shows a side view and front view of one of the supplemental wedges.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the two jaws detached.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the two jaws.

Fig. 9 is an edge view of one of the jaws.

The wrench comprises two jaws F, F each of which has a channeled face indicated at 1, in Fig. a, overhanging lips 2 being provided along the outer edge of the channel. These members F, F are pivotally mounted upon a bolt J held in place by a nut K. Within the channels of the jaws gripping members B are located, these being of substantially wedge shape but having points or edges 3 to grip the side of the pipe or other object designed to be manipulated by the wrench. These grips B are provided with pins H to prevent them from falling out of the channel 1 for which purpose the pins engage the lips 2. Interposed between the grips B are wedge members C, these find a backing against the wall of the channel 1. A master wedge D is arranged centrally between the main jaws F, F, and this is capable of movement in a direction longiview of the master wedge tudinally between the jaws F, F. It is slotted at i to receive the bolt J and it has a tem D' extending along the hollow handle G with its outer end pivotally connected at N to a lever E which is pivoted on a pin M carried by the handle G. The inner end of the handle G is of cam shape, having cam shape surfaces at 5 to bear on the inner faces of the rear extensions 6 of the jaws F, F at a point in rear of the pivot bolt J; This handle member is pivotally mounted on the divided pin L, the two parts of which are mounted in the sides L of the rear extension of the jaw F. It will be noticed from Fig. 2 that the forward or cam shaped end of the lever or handle G is divided or bifurcated so as to receive between its separated portions the shank of the master wedge member I) and consequently the pin L is divided into two parts as above stated. The bolt J connects the jaws F, F and'forms the pivot about which they turn.

One object of this wrenchis to provide means to takea firm secure grip on a pipe or other object and lock the gripping members so that the wrench will not slip when force is applied thereto and in use of the wrench it is another object to avoid the necessity of the attendant handling the pipe or other object or having his hands come in contact with the parts of the wrench adjacent the point where it grips the pipe. renches of this character-designed for doing heavy work such as affixing or removing the pipe drill-stems of oil drilling appara tus are very heavy, weighing several hundred pounds, and they are suspended in the derrick on a wire line. renches now in use require more or less handling of them adjacent the pipe which is being manipulated and accidents often result to the at tendant, but with the wrench as-constructed by me it is not necessary for-theattendant to handle the pipe or handle the wrench at its working end and thus the danger of accidents will be materially reduced.

In the operation of this wrench it is simply pushed by the operator against the pipe drill stem which is in an upright position projecting from the well up through'the derrick floor and rotary table of the machine for turning the drill stem. Before pushing it against the pipe the attendant will have thrown the lever E, F ig. 1, into a position at right angles substantlally to the position Patented Jan. 4, 19 21.

illustrated. This will free the grips B and wedges C from the pressure of the master wedge D so that the working end of the wrench readily may be pushed into position with its jaws F, F partly embracing the pipe and with the grips in more or less loose condition. After being pushed into this osition the attendant will throw the lever into its closed position as represented in Fig. 1, thus forcing the master wedge forward against the grips B and pressing them into place or into gripping contact with the pipe or other object and this pressure of the master wedge will be communicated to the supplemental wedges C and to the other grips B and also to the end grips B so that all of these will be set in position and locked to grip the pipe. After this is done the main handle G is pulled laterally referring to Fig. 1, so that the cam-shape end will be turned about the pivot L thus causing the cam surface 5 to spread the rear arms 6 of the wrench jaws F, F and this will cause the jaws F, F to close toward each other and set the grips B firmly against the side of the pipe or other object. The pressure eX- erted by the cam 5 may be so great as to crush the pipe and in order to prevent this the shape of this cam surface is designed to secure safety in this regard while insuring that the gripping effect will be sufficiently strong to do the work required.

he grips B and the wedges C are so formed and proportioned that the grips B will not touch the wall of the jaws F, F when the wrench is in closed position. The pressure on the grips B will be through their sides resting on the wedges C.

When the master wedge is retracted, the grips will loosen up, and the space between their outer ends and the wall of the channel in the jaws F F is ample for this effect.

A lifting clamp is shown at O and a lifting ring at P.

The wrench is shown in Fig. l in its gripping position. As above mentioned the wrench is engaged with the pipe by pushing it against the same, and in this respect it is distinguished from those forms in which the jaw consists of a ring in segments hinged together to be engaged with the pipe by a wrapping action of the ring segments about the pipe, this action requiring handling of the gripping end of the wrench, which often results in accidents to the workman. It will be observed that the movement of the handle which causes the turning of the pipe is a continuation of the same movement which causes the cam 5 to set the jaws F, F toward each other to make the grips firmly engage the pipe.

It will be observed that I employ no supporting frame in my structure. The main elements are so combined and interconnected as to avoid the use of any such supporting frame additional to the main elements themselves. In this connection it will be seen from Figs. 2 and 8 that the base of the jaw F has side plates spaced apart at a greater distance than the side plates L of the other jaw F. This relation of the parts enables the base portion of the jaw F to enter between the side plates of the base portion of the jaw F. The bases of both jaws have openings J, Figs. 2 and 7 which receive the pivot bolts J. The cam end of the handle G lies between the side plates L of the base of the jaw F which in turn lies within the base of the other jaw F as just described, and from Fig. 2 it will be noticed that the pivoted pin L has its two parts riveted in the opening L of the base walls L the ends of the riveted pin coming flush with the surface of the parts to which they are connected.

Briefly stated, I provide a wrench in which the two jaws are pivoted together and a handle is pivoted to one jaw and operates by its cam end upon the other jaw.

It will be observed that by reason of the construction involving the jaws each having a base with spaced apart sides and with the base of one fitting between the sides of the base of the other and with the pivot bolts for the jaws and handle arranged as shown a symmetrical and well balanced structure is provided. The pivot bolts are in line with the longitudinal axis of the wrench, that is to say with a line drawn through the center of the wrench between the jaws.

I claim:

1. A wrench having a pair of opposed jaws, relatively movable and spaced apart to provide a fork like head, gripper means carried by each of the said j aws means for setting the gripper means of both jaws simultaneously in position to grip a pipe or other object or for releasing said gripper means, and means for relatively moving the jaws toward and from each other, substantially as described.

2. A wrench having opposed pivotally mounted jaws with a space between their free ends enabling the pipe or other object to be received between them by pushing the wrench thereagainst, a group of gripper devices carried by each jaw movably mounted in relation to each other and moved by contact with the object to permit the object to be received between the jaws, means can ried by the wrench for locking the groups of gripper means on the jaws, and means for moving the jaws toward each other to force the gripper means against the pipe for turning the same when the wrench is turned, substantially as described.

3. A wrench comprising jaws pivotally connected and normally spaced apart, enabling a pipe or other object to be received.

between the jaws by pushing the wrench thereagainst, a series of gripper members carried by each jaw movably mounted to yield or retract in placing the wrench on the pipe, means for locking both series of gripper members simultaneously against movement when the pipe is located between the jaws and means for pressing the jaws toward each other to make the gripper members grip the pipe for turning the same, substantially as described.

4. In combination in a wrench, a pair of jaws each having a base portion composed of spaced apart sides and with the base of one fitting between the sides of the base of the other, a pivot bolt about which the jaws turn and which connects said jaws, and a hand lever pivoted within the innermost base, said lever having an end working on the said other base to separate said bases and close the jaws, the pivot bolt for the jaws and the pivot of the handle being in line with the longitudinal axis of the wrench,

5. In combination in a wrench, a pair of jaws each having a base portion composed of spaced apart sides and with *the base of one fitting within the base of: the other, a pivot bolt about whieh'the jaws turn and which connects said jaws, and a hand lever pivoted within the innermost base, said lever having an end working on the said other base to separate said bases and close the jaws, movable grips to engage the object, a master member at the juncture'of the jaws for operating the grips, means for operating the master member extending lengthwise of and through the handle and a divided pivot for the hand lever supported in the walls of the innermost base, substantially as described.

6. In combination in a wrench, jaws having a free space between'them for receiving a pipe or other object, grips movably mounted to accommodate themselves to the object, a handle, means for closing the jaws operated from the handle and means for setting the grips in locked-condition on the jaw carrying them, also operated from the said handle, substantially as described.

T. A wrench comprising a pair of jaws relatively movable and presenting a forklike head to receive a pipe or other object, grip means carried by each jaw movably, a master member located substantially at the junction of the jaws for locking or unlocking the grips of both jaws in relation thereto, and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

8. A wrench comprising a pair of jaws relatively movable and presenting a forklilze head to receive a pipe or other object, grip means carried by each jaw movably, a master member located substantially at the junction of the jaws for locking or unlocking the grips of both jaws, in relation thereto, said master member operating in a direction radially of the space between the jaws, and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

9. In combination in a Wrench, a pair of jaws relatively movable, a series of grips movably carried by the jaws, wedge members interposed between the grips a master wedge member for controlling the grips and wedges of both jaws, and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

10. In combination in-a wrench, a pair of jaws, a series of wedge shaped grips in each jaw, wedges between the grips and bearing thereon, a master wedge for looking or unlocking the grips and wedges in relation to the jaws, and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

11. In combination a pair of jaws having channelled faces, grips loosely mounted in the channels, loose wedge members between the grips and in the channels, a master wedge at-the junction of the jaws for locking or unlocking said grips and wedges in relation to the jaws, and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

12. In combination a pair of jaws rela tively movable, grips movably carried by the jaws, a master member for operating the grips, a handle for turning the wrench and an ope 'ating connection for the master member extending along the handle to operate the master member froma point distant from the jaws, substantially as described.

13. In combination a pair of jaws relatively movable, a pivot pin about which the jaws turn, movable grips to bear on the obect, a master member slidably mounted on the pin for controlling the grips, a'handle pivotally mounted and having a cam portion for operating thejaws, said handle being bifurcated at its cam portion, and a connection for operating the said master member extending between the parts of the cam and within the handle, substantially as described.

14. In combination, a aw having a channelled face with marginal lips, grips loosely mounted in the channel and having pins to be retained by said lips, wedges between the grips, an opposing jaw, a master wedge member arranged intermediate the jaws to control the grips and wedges and means for operating the jaws substantially as described.

15. In combination a pair of relatively movable jaws having a permanently open space between them to receive a pipe by pushing the wrench laterally thereagainst, movable grips carried by the jaws and means for operating the jaws from a point distant from the jaws, and means for operating all the grips simultaneously from a point distant from the front of the jaws, substantially as described.

16. LA wrench comprisinga jaw, a group of grips arranged in the jaw and relatively movable, a bearing on the jaw at one end of the group of grips and means for locking the grips, said means pressing upon the other end of the group, an opposing jaw, and means for operating the jaws, substantially as described.

17. In combination a jaw, a series of grips on the jaw, an opposingjaw, said grips being movable radially in relation to the space be tween the jaws and having outwardly tapered bodies, wedges tapered inwardly toward the center of the said space, means for pressing 011 the end members of the sets of wedges and grips to lock them to the jaw, and means for operating the jaw, substantially as described.

18. A wrench comprising a pair of jaws movable relatively to each other, gripping means carried by each jaw, comprising a series of members movable in relation to each other and to the jaws, means for exerting a locking pressure against the end member of each series, in a direction lengthwise of the series and from member to member of each series and a handle for operating the jaws.

19. A wrench consisting of a pair of curved jaws said jaws being relatively movable, a series of gripping members carried by each curved jaw and having movement relatively to each other to position themselves in conformity with the object to be gripped, locking means for the series of gripping members exerting its locking force longitudinally of the series of gripping members and a handle for operating the wrench, substantiall 1 as described.

20. A wrench consisting of a pair of curved jaws, said jaws being relatively movable, a series of gripping members carried by each curved jaw, said members being relatively movable, and the end members of each series being held against movement in the longitudinal direction of the series, means for exerting pressure upon the members of the series at the other end thereof to cause relative displacement of the members, and means for operating the wrench, substantially as described.

wrench comprising a jaw having a channel in its inner face, a series of gripping devices carried by the jaw in said channel, means for applying pressure at the end of the series of gripping devices and eX- erting said pressure lengthwise of the series for crowding the grips in the space be tween the jaw and the object to be manipulated, whereby said gripping devices will accommodate themselves to the surface of the object and will be held locked in their relative positions, a second jaw opposite the one first mentioned and a handle for operating the wrench, substantially as described.

22. A wrench havinga movable jaw, a

series of gripping devices movable in relation to and carried by the jaw and adapted to accommodate themselves to the surface of the object held between the jaws, and means for applying pressure at the end of the series of gripping devices, and exerting said pressure lengthwise of the said series to crowd said devices in the space between the surface of the object and the jaw, and thereby grip the object, a second jaw opposite the one first mentioned and a handle for operating the wrench.

23. In combination in a wrench, a jaw, a plurality of grips movable relative to each other and carried by the jaw to be set to engage the object, an opposing jaw, said jaws having relative movement, a handlefor closing the jaws, grip setting means located adjacent the junctionof the jaws for setting the grips in locked condition against the object and a connection extending along the handle for operating the grip setting means.

24. In combination in a wrench, a jaw, grips and interposed wedge members carried by and movable relative to the jaw, an opposing jaw, said jaws having relative movement, a master wedge member operating at the junction of the jaws to set the grips, a handle for operating the jaws and means operated from a point on the handle for operating the master wedge member.

25. In combination in a wrench, a jaw, a plurality of grips movable relative to and carried by the jaw, an opposing jaw, means for relatively operating the jaws from a pointdistant from the jaws, and means for locking the grips operated from a point distant from the front of the jaws, substantially as described.

26. In combination in a wrench, a curved jaw, a series of gripping members carried by said jaw and having movement relative to each other, to position themselves in conformity to the object being gripped, locking means for the series of gripping members exerting its locking force longitudinally of the series of gripping members, a second jaw opposite to that first mentioned, and means for operating the jaws and setting the grips, substantially as described.

27. In combination, a jaw bent to partly embrace the object, grips movably carried by said jaw and as a series conforming to the shape thereof, a second jaw opposite the first jaw, a handle for giving said jaws a relative movement and means operating substantially at the junction of the jaws for operating the grips, substantially as described.

28. In combination, a jaw bent to partly embrace the object, grips movably carried by said jaw and as a series conforming to the shape thereof, a second jaw opposite the first jaw, a handle for giving said jaws a relative movement and means operating substantially at the junction of the jaws for operating the grips, said means being slidable substantially radially in relation to the space between the jaws and a connection extending from the handle for operating said means, substantially as described.

29. A wrench comprising a jaw having a channel in its inner face, a series of gripping devices carried by the jaw in said channel, means for applying pressure at the end of the series of gripping devices and exerting said pressure lengthwise of the series for crowding the grips in the space between the jaw and the object to be manipulated, whereby said gripping devices will accommodate themselves to the surface of the object and will be held locked in their adjusted positions, a second jaw opposite the one first mentioned, and members arranged between the gripping devices having inclined faces upon which the gripping devices work.

30. A wrench comprising a jaw having a channel in its inner face, a series of gripping devices carried by the jaw in said channel, means for applying ressure at the end of the series of gripping evices and exerting said pressure lengthwise of the series for crowding the grips in the space between the jaw and the object to be manipulated, and a second jaw opposite the one first'mem tioned, said channel being defined by overhanging flanges and the gripping devices having projections engaging under said flanges, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CLARENCE E. REED. 

